(a) Definition. For the purpose of this section, a contract with a State Medicaid agency means a formal written agreement between an MA organization and the State Medicaid agency documenting each entity's roles and responsibilities with regard to dual-eligible individuals.
(b) General rule. MA organizations seeking to offer a special needs plan serving beneficiaries eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible) must have a contract with the State Medicaid agency. The MA organization retains responsibility under the contract for providing benefits, or arranging for benefits to be provided, for individuals entitled to receive medical assistance under title XIX. Such benefits may include long-term care services consistent with State policy.
(c) Minimum contract requirements. At a minimum, the contract must document--
(1) The MA organization's responsibility, including financial obligations, to provide or arrange for Medicaid benefits.
(2) The category(ies) of eligibility for dual-eligible beneficiaries to be enrolled under the SNP, as described under the Statute at sections 1902(a), 1902(f), 1902(p), and 1905.
(3) The Medicaid benefits covered under the SNP.
(4) The cost-sharing protections covered under the SNP.
(5) The identification and sharing of information on Medicaid provider participation.
(6) The verification of enrollee's eligibility for both Medicare and Medicaid.
(7) The service area covered by the SNP.
(8) The contract period for the SNP.
(d) Date of Compliance. (1) Effective January 1, 2010--
(1) Effective January 1, 2010--
(i) MA organizations offering a new dual-eligible SNP must have a State Medicaid agency contract.
(ii) Existing dual-eligible SNPs that do not have a State Medicaid agency contract--
(A) May continue to operate through the 2012 contract year provided they meet all other statutory and regulatory requirements.
(B) May not expand their service areas during contract years 2010 through 2012.
(2) [Reserved] [73 FR 54248, Sept. 18, 2008, as amended at 76 FR 21563, Apr. 15, 2011]